The collaboration between the two social enterprises under NTUC Enterprise builds on an ongoing effort to improve accessibility to healthier options for Singaporeans.

“Healthy eating and living are key concerns among Singaporeans as health consciousness continues to grow. Consumers are making informed food choices and keeping active as they take ownership of their health.

“As our nation ramps up its efforts in the fight against diabetes, our NTUC social enterprises have come together to improve accessibility to a wider range of products and services for Singaporeans to lead healthier lifestyles,” said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng at the launch event.

A recent survey by research and training charity IGD found that 89 per cent of Singaporeans believe that it is their responsibility to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Almost all those surveyed were trying to improve their diet in some way.

More than half of the respondents said they eat more food and vegetables, while a quarter said they are cutting down on sugar intake.

Revamped Hypermarket

The revamped NTUC FairPrice Xtra hypermarket at AMK Hub aims to empower consumers to “Eat Well, Live Well, Feel Well and Look Well”, according to a joint media release from FairPrice and Foodfare.

The hypermarket will carry close to 5,600 beauty, health and wellness products – organic items, health supplements, medicine, and beauty related products such as cosmetics and skincare products.

There will also be a new service called iDoc where customers can speak to a doctor over video conference to obtain a diagnosis and prescription. This telemedicine consultation will cost $15, while staff and students of affiliated institutions will pay $10.

The design of the revamped store also includes event spaces for activities such as exercise demonstrations and skin health scanning services.

FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng said: “The store now incorporates different aspects of health, wellness and beauty through an enhanced range of products and services, made conveniently available under one roof. This concept complements consumers’ shopping preference and caters to their evolving needs. More importantly, we hope our efforts in support of the national health drive will encourage more Singaporeans to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

Low-GI Ready Meals

Meanwhile, the low-GI ready meals were developed by Foodfare in collaboration with staff and students from Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science.

The product is also Singapore’s first ready, diabetic-friendly meals to be endorsed by the Health Promotion Board.

According to Foodfare, it is a challenge for diabetic patients and their caregivers to find suitable ready meals due to strict dietary requirements in the current marketplace.

It added that Foodfare is meeting the needs of these groups of users while helping consumers manage their diet and lower the risk of diabetes.

“To provide affordable and healthier meals is at the core of what drives NTUC Foodfare forward. Following the success of Chef’s Finest Light, a healthier selection of ready meals, we are proud to launch our latest Chef’s Finest Low-GI ready meals to offer a convenient, low-GI dietary option for health-conscious customers.

“We also recognise that with the nation’s war on diabetes, it calls for more low-GI ready meal choices, which are diabetic-friendly. The Chef’s Finest Low-GI ready meal selection is our response to this gap in the market,” said Foodfare CEO Perry Ong.